Funeral directors are not legally responsible for making funeral arrangements, however once appointed they can look after all the proceedings, including cremation or burial.

In Australia, the person with legal authority to make funeral arrangements is the Executor – the person named in the deceased person’s will to administer the estate. By mutual agreement, this responsibility can passed to the next of kin or a family friend, who in turn can ask a funeral director to make all arrangements. If the deceased person has no next of kin, the State takes responsibility. Whoever signs the authorisation for a funeral service to proceed will be financially responsible for the funeral and the only person with the authority to make arrangements with the crematorium or cemetery. This is where the funeral director can take over proceedings. Funeral directors are trained and experienced in assisting the bereaved in coping with death and making funeral arrangements, such as transporting the body, completing necessary paperwork and certificates, organising services and cremation or burial.

There are strict laws governing the storage, transport and cremation or burial of deceased persons. Qualified funeral directors have been trained in this. They are also aware of procedures for collecting the body from the morgue, the Coroner, or following an autopsy. Following the funeral, the funeral director will apply electronically to the Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages for a death certificate, on behalf of the next of kin. The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages will forward the certified copy directly to the person making the funeral arrangements. If the body must be repatriated interstate or overseas, the funeral director can arrange embalming, where the body is treated with preserving chemicals. This is also necessary in some cultures and religions when the body is viewed for a period of time.

Even if the death was expected, the passing of a loved one can be a difficult and confusing time for the partner or family and friends left behind. States and territories may have differing burial regulations, and official paperwork must be done. The funeral industry website, Funeral Information Australia has detailed, updated advice and guides to what is involved in organising a funeral. It has a comprehensive directory of funeral services for all states and territories, explains what tasks must be performed, who has responsibility for what, and other related issues. The website even has a guide to preparing a speech for a funeral.